Cedar Rapids Kennedy at Dallas Center-Grimes was one of the more interesting Class 5A matchups on Friday. The visitors were trying to qualify for the playoffs, while the home team was looking to improve its position. The latter occurred with a second-half surge thanks to a super effort from Engel. The senior signal caller completed 21 of 28 throws for 310 yards and six touchdowns without an interception. The left-hander is one of the better available quarterbacks remaining in Iowa’s 2027 Class. Engel is a good athlete that makes smart decisions and can complete the tasks required to be successful at the position. He can push the ball down the field or into tight windows, gets through progressions quickly, has presence in the pocket and can complete passes from various arm angles. Colleges looking to add to their quarterback rooms should give this kid strong consideration.

Leading the DCG offense the last two seasons, 2027 QB Chase Engel Chase Engel 6'1" | 195 lbs | QB Dallas Center-Grimes | 2027 State IA took a major step forward last season, completing 146-of-259 passes (56.4%) for 1,740 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

A lefty that spread it around to a multitude of talent around him in the Mustang offense, the senior-to-be has a fluid, up-and-over motion that allows him to get air under the ball, especially on deep shots to receivers. Using his back foot to follow through, Engel gets some power into his passes, too, making throws down the field look effortless. A smooth athlete that navigates the pocket to avoid pressure, Engel can also put it on a rope when running to his left or loft a ball to the back of the endzone and let his receiver go get it. Engel throws a very catchable ball.

With interest from Midwest FCS programs as well as schools like Iowa and Northwestern, Grand View would be hitting a home run with a prospect like Engel at quarterback.

Chase Engel Chase Engel 6'1" | 195 lbs | QB Dallas Center-Grimes | 2027 State IA took big steps forward in his performance following his sophomore debut, guiding the Mustangs to an impressive turnaround from 2-7 to 7-3 in 2025. Engel threw for 1740 yards, 17 TDs, and 9 INTS in 2025. Engel looked far more confident taking shots down the field last season, delivering deep passes with exceptional strength and placement to find his receivers in stride. Showcasing impressive range and improved footwork, Engel did a much better job reacting to the defense and evading the pocket when it collapsed, extending the play, and finding his receivers down the field on the run. Engel has been progressing positively for the Mustangs, and he will look to maintain the team’s upward trend in the 5A conference in 2026.

Engel experienced ups and downs as a sophomore starter, but the Mustang left-hander grew and flashed his upside throughout the year. He threw for seven touchdowns and ran for another score in getting his feet wet. When we pop on his 10th-grade highlight video, Engels reveals a dynamic set of skills. The DCG offense utilizes a moving pocket with his athleticism and accuracy in throwing on the run. Engel evades the rush no matter where the pocket is located and shows a quick release. He gets through his progressions quickly and can push the ball downfield.